Victoria 3

 PC
User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 115
  3. Negative: 51 out of 115

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  1. Belonogy
    Oct 26, 2022
    10
    The best paradox game so far! a true masterpiece. There will always be dissatisfied with the game, but I recommend them to play Tetris, which without add-ons
  2. Ratanka
    Oct 30, 2022
    10
    When you know what you get its an 10/10, if you expect a wargame it is not. it doesnt try to be a wargame, if you read all the negative ratings itsn early all "war mechanics are bad" ... jaeh it doesnt try to have good ones.
    this is a game to manage your country over this time and the war is just a side mechanic you have to deal with while managing your country
  3. Tardies
    Dec 10, 2022
    10
    I'll just describe my experience in this game. Economics in this game made very well. Here is just one simple example:
    I chose Belgium, I annexed all of Benelux and built a socialistic country. Pop is 12M, GDP is 120M. The Balance is +20K. Everything looks good. I am North German Federation protectorate which means I am integrated in the North German market. But then happened such a    I'll just describe my experience in this game. Economics in this game made very well. Here is just one simple example:
    I chose Belgium, I annexed all of Benelux and built a socialistic country. Pop is 12M, GDP is 120M. The Balance is +20K. Everything looks good. I am North German Federation protectorate which means I am integrated in the North German market. But then happened such a terrible thing. My balance dropped. Dropped not to -7K nor -20K, not even -60K. My balance dropped to -700K per week. I was confused like "wtf is happening rn?". About 600K per week were spending as a subsidies to my urban buildings, resources, agricultures and developments, the GDP was 60M. The fabrics produced sth, the workers worked, but no one buys my products. I scrolled out then. There was a civil war in Germany and bc of that no one could buy my products bc they were too expensive for them.    … Expand
  4. DarkRamb
    Oct 26, 2022
    10
    Unfinished and buggy but I can spare some 3000 hours of my life to play, why not
  5. Skogen21
    Oct 30, 2022
    10
    Victoria 3 is another great strategy from pradox interactive. The game covers the period from 1836 to 1936. As usual with Paradox, the game is more or less a sandbox for "what if" history. Strengths and weaknesses (in my opinion):
    + market and meeting demand and supply (relatively complex, but not complicated system)
    +society and its gradual change from agrarian to industrial +diplomacy    Victoria 3 is another great strategy from pradox interactive. The game covers the period from 1836 to 1936. As usual with Paradox, the game is more or less a sandbox for "what if" history. Strengths and weaknesses (in my opinion):
    + market and meeting demand and supply (relatively complex, but not complicated system)
    +society and its gradual change from agrarian to industrial
    +diplomacy and escalation of tensions
    + graphics
    + the game is in quite good condition and polished. I know a lot of people complain, but personally I didn't come across anything major. Honestly, I expected worse.
    -unsatisfying war mechanics. In general, I like the idea of ​​automatic control of battles, I don't miss individual units on the map. But I would have expected a little more depth and more options to wave the fights.

    Overall, they are very satisfied with the game after a few hours. Of course, the potential of the game is enormous. I currently rate the game 9/10    … Expand
  6. mattstang
    Jul 15, 2023
    10
    This is honestly a very decent game. However, there is potential. I am speaking from bias, loving the vicky series. It does need significant improvements, but by following the market trend of imperator Rome we will likely see a positive version of the game in the years to come.
  7. Jay_Raynor
    Nov 5, 2022
    10
    A great game as long as you know what you're getting in to.
    This is not HOI4, EU4 or CK3. (And it's not a remake of Victoria 2)
    It's a different kind of strategy game. It focus on resources management and economics. It's a nice change from the other paradox games and I will definitely ceep play it alongside the other paradox games. I see a lot of people complaining about the simplified war    A great game as long as you know what you're getting in to.
    This is not HOI4, EU4 or CK3. (And it's not a remake of Victoria 2)
    It's a different kind of strategy game.
    It focus on resources management and economics.
    It's a nice change from the other paradox games and I will definitely ceep play it alongside the other paradox games. I see a lot of people complaining about the simplified war mechanics and complex economics.
    War is not the focus. So if you want more in depth war mechanics play HOI instead.
    If you want simpler trade/economic mechanics and more focus on warfare play EU4 or CK3 (or CK2 if you prefer it instead).
    And if you don't understand the game. DO THE TUTORIAL! Don't complain because the game isn't a copy of others paradox games and because you don't understand the game mechanics.
    And if you want to live in nostalgia land you can still play Victoria 2. They didn't delete the game just because they released a sequel.    … Expand
  8. Hllbrhmtzcn
    Oct 27, 2022
    10
    this game is not hoi4. If you want a map coloring game, play hoi4. Men who have not played Victoria 2 in their life give 0 points, the steam score is mixed. Is this a joke, in Victoria 2, after 1890, will you control the troops or manage the state? There was a very heavy order. yes the game has some cons true but the game gives us what it promises this game is not hoi4 dot
  9. upgrade1
    Oct 27, 2022
    10
    Tam bir simülasyon oyunu yönetimi çok iyi
    Bir devleti yönettiğinizi hissettiriyor size
  10. mahdisalar13
    May 13, 2023
    10
    The best and perfect strategy game until now. Everything is real! The economic and....
  11. Vogelzu
    Oct 27, 2022
    10
    It is an amazing game just what I expected of paradox dev team Congratulations!
  12. coppykappa3
    Oct 27, 2022
    10
    Really good graphics and gameplay! truly a step forward for the franchise , graphics are stunning too.
  13. Varra
    Oct 30, 2022
    10
    Very good start for the game. Of cource it is still empty, as wel, as any other paradox game, but new mehanics looks interesting. Also, new army system feels more fair than destroing ai with x10 less loses
  14. xtom
    Oct 28, 2022
    9
    Excellent strategy game that focuses on economy and politics. Presentation is top notch. The war system is not as hands-on as other games but I think it really works well here for the most part and keeps the overall pace of the game flowing.
  15. myndpyre
    Nov 8, 2022
    9
    For 5 years the community has screamed at Paradox to make Victoria 3, to the point it was a running joke. The community screamed for the game to be modernized, and more accessible. They asked that economy and diplomacy, not brute warfare be the example of the time period.

    Paradox Delivered. The community is now roasting Paradox for actually listening. Paradox now has to either    For 5 years the community has screamed at Paradox to make Victoria 3, to the point it was a running joke. The community screamed for the game to be modernized, and more accessible. They asked that economy and diplomacy, not brute warfare be the example of the time period.

    Paradox Delivered.

    The community is now roasting Paradox for actually listening. Paradox now has to either stick to it's guns and core game systems for V3 or try to revert these systems back to the very difficult V2 system.

    For everything that was asked for, you have. The game runs solid, ESPECIALLY for a Paradox Plaza release. This is the game you asked for, enjoy it. If you want Victoria II, it will probably be on sale shortly for 10 bucks.    … Expand
  16. paoturk
    Oct 27, 2022
    9
    While there is plenty of room of improvement, this game is off to a very promising start. If you're new to the Victoria franchise, but have enjoyed ck3, tread carefully...it's a very different game. If your imagination can run wild to a spreadsheet with a beautiful gui and are interested in the intersection of economics and politics, then this game is for you!

    There are some qualms with    While there is plenty of room of improvement, this game is off to a very promising start. If you're new to the Victoria franchise, but have enjoyed ck3, tread carefully...it's a very different game. If your imagination can run wild to a spreadsheet with a beautiful gui and are interested in the intersection of economics and politics, then this game is for you!

    There are some qualms with the military aspect of this game, however it's never been my interest, so I'm happy to be spared the micromanagement. Speaking of which, my primary complaint is the building system in larger countries, which can be micro intensive. Internal political simulation is well executed, and diplomacy has it's strengths and weaknesses compared to other paradox games.    … Expand
  17. Mavero66
    Oct 28, 2022
    9
    A unique gem - I struggle to think of any game, even among PDX titles, past Vickies included, with so comprehensive and well integrated economy and politics gameplays. If that's your thing and/or you're a XIX c. history geek, it really is a treat. It's even, arguably, a quite accurate modelling of real life connections between the economical, sociological and political life of a nation.A unique gem - I struggle to think of any game, even among PDX titles, past Vickies included, with so comprehensive and well integrated economy and politics gameplays. If that's your thing and/or you're a XIX c. history geek, it really is a treat. It's even, arguably, a quite accurate modelling of real life connections between the economical, sociological and political life of a nation.

    Also - great UI, for such a game with such deep mechanic, and surprisingly nice graphics too.

    It's sad to see that such an extraordinary game is getting review-bombed. Of course, it's not for everyone, in fact it's almost as niche as it gets for strategy games, but you cannot honestly say the game sucks at what it is trying to do. I mean warfare, in particular, which is treated as an extension of diplomacy and largely a capacity contest, which is perfectly consistent with the focus on economy and politics. Also, this is what war looks like from a politician's point of view. If you want Hearts of Iron XIX c. then, well, you need to look for a good mod for HoI and make one yourself. This is not the place.

    One complaint I have is that diplomacy and AI does not make as much sense as it should. But it really is a problem of most if not every grand strategy and 4X game, or even strategy more broadly.    … Expand
  18. Anbulbay
    Dec 7, 2022
    9
    Best "Economy Simulator".
    Many people's thinks this is a war game and send bad reviews, but this game isn't a wargame.
  19. alexgmcm
    Oct 28, 2022
    9
    The core of the game - economics and internal politics are very well done. Especially the economics.

    The war system could be improved to give more player agency with different options and strategies. But I think the direction they are going in with less micro is the right one, it just needs a bit more depth. The diplomacy system is in a pretty bad state though - Great Powers will    The core of the game - economics and internal politics are very well done. Especially the economics.

    The war system could be improved to give more player agency with different options and strategies. But I think the direction they are going in with less micro is the right one, it just needs a bit more depth.

    The diplomacy system is in a pretty bad state though - Great Powers will often intervene in extremely minor diplomatic plays and be willing to mobilise their entire reserves despite the massive cost this incurs for almost no gain for them. The AI really doesn't seem to take the cost of war properly into account. There is also no option for Status Quo in Diplomatic Plays which means either one side has to give in and concede war goals, or go to war. Furthermore, there is no way to make deals without threatening warfare - I can't swap some colonial possessions or purchase territory etc.

    So in general the core focus of the game is incredibly good (thus the 9/10) but the diplomacy really needs improvement.    … Expand
  20. templario09
    Oct 27, 2022
    9
    I like it a lot because I feel that it is very new for the franchise, the graphics are beautiful, impressive government mechanics and it is impressive how improved it is with respect to the previous game
  21. holmraven
    Oct 31, 2022
    9
    Game is far from being fully fleshed out, but regardless it is an amazing game. Doesn't even feel like paradox game, it feels like something entirely new, where you don't just mindlessly stare into map for 1 hour just for something to actually happen like in hoi4.
  22. krichard
    Mar 26, 2023
    9
    It's a good game. The economic system is excellent. It is also very detailed. It's a 9/10 because sometimes the war feels a little lacking.
  23. wolfaust
    Feb 6, 2023
    8
    Before you play: This is a society-builder game, not a wargame. That is why Victoria 3 is unique.

    Please, consider feeding your pops and do not act quickly to wage war. It is bad in long term. Because, just like in real life, war is bad, and war shouldn't be an option at all. War is just a result of bad diplomacy. Successful diplomacy and economy is the most important factor for a    Before you play: This is a society-builder game, not a wargame. That is why Victoria 3 is unique.

    Please, consider feeding your pops and do not act quickly to wage war. It is bad in long term. Because, just like in real life, war is bad, and war shouldn't be an option at all. War is just a result of bad diplomacy. Successful diplomacy and economy is the most important factor for a prosperous nation.

    The rest? Well, you know what to do...    … Expand
  24. merrygin
    Oct 28, 2022
    8
    Victoria 3 is an economic and political simulation, which makes it unique in paradoxes portfolio, where usually a lot of the economics and politics are just feeding into war and expansion. If you just want to reenact the great conquests of the 19th century (the game runs from 1836-1936) this game will disappoint you! If you want to see your nation prosper and enojoy molding your peasantsVictoria 3 is an economic and political simulation, which makes it unique in paradoxes portfolio, where usually a lot of the economics and politics are just feeding into war and expansion. If you just want to reenact the great conquests of the 19th century (the game runs from 1836-1936) this game will disappoint you! If you want to see your nation prosper and enojoy molding your peasants into modern citizen, then you won't find a better game at the moment.

    I love the different options to push your nation along into the modern times and the careful manipulation of politics. Thats the core loop of the game and while it still has rough edges and room for improvement, it really really works. It's also really pretty! Whoever tells you this looks like a mobile game - seriously, they have no idea what they are talking about.

    There is much to expand, for sure, though. There needs to be more flavor in weaving the narrative of your nation, for example with more events. Interactions with individuals in your country need to be expanded, they feel a bit bland. The game does try, with different leader personalities, some dynamic events, etc. - it just needs a bit more of that, and maybe an expansion of the political system, with a proper government, ministers, etc. The warfare is obviously a hot topic right now. It's simply not the core of the game, so if you primarily want to conquer stuff, this might not be for you. But even if not, the warfare needs more work - you need more ways to manipulate not only how your army is set up but also how actual wars are fought.

    Overall, if you enjoy economics focused games like the Tropico series or Anno, you'll definitely have a lot of fun with this and for all the problems it does have, it seeps potential. They got the hard stuff right already, now they can (and definitely will) go and expand on it, which is, in my opinion, all the game needs to become a full 10/10.    … Expand
  25. Gusta27
    Dec 22, 2022
    8
    One of the best strategy games ever made, very enjoyable and interesting to play, it could have more options, and it lacks in optimization asking for high minimum requirements for your PC, but it's really worth it.
  26. Coot
    Oct 30, 2022
    7
    Game is great, music and graphic is great, but for now, it is unpolished, and a bit monotonous. Give it a year or two it would be amazing.
  27. ScarlettFire
    Oct 26, 2022
    7
    While the internal politics of the game are remarkable, and I do appreciate a grand strategy game that focuses more on economy and internal politics than external geopolitics, the geopolitics aspect of the game has suffered greatly. Everything feels overly complex yet too simple, with barely anything explained to you in an adequate manner, an issue that is not present in Paradox's otherWhile the internal politics of the game are remarkable, and I do appreciate a grand strategy game that focuses more on economy and internal politics than external geopolitics, the geopolitics aspect of the game has suffered greatly. Everything feels overly complex yet too simple, with barely anything explained to you in an adequate manner, an issue that is not present in Paradox's other games like CK3 or EU4.

    If you LOVE internal politics in your games, I do recommend it, but most of my game was spent in the buildings tab. I would recommend waiting until this game gets the updates it needs, and do hope it isn't abandoned like Imperator was.    … Expand
  28. Atyra
    Jan 11, 2023
    7
    Victoria 3 is a hard game to rate. The term 'wide as an ocean' rarely applies better, this is truly a monstrously ambitious and grand game, but at the same time, many of that width feels barebone and leaves the player feeling more like they're playing a game of Chess than an excellent RPG experience. It's unfortunate, but this is just Paradox's standard. I do believe that in a few yearsVictoria 3 is a hard game to rate. The term 'wide as an ocean' rarely applies better, this is truly a monstrously ambitious and grand game, but at the same time, many of that width feels barebone and leaves the player feeling more like they're playing a game of Chess than an excellent RPG experience. It's unfortunate, but this is just Paradox's standard. I do believe that in a few years this could be a real 9/10, but it isn't there yet.

    Still, this is just putting it up to the very high standard that Grand Strategy gamers have for replayability and complex simulation. It's not as if Victoria 3 is a poor game in any way, it just attempts and advertises far more than it current achieves.    … Expand
  29. Woauus34
    Oct 29, 2022
    6
    At this stage I cannot recommend this game. I enjoyed playing it for about 20 hours, but this feels more like an actual beta than a full release for a full price. There are too many things missing from this game to give it a pass right now.
  30. carkisx1
    Oct 26, 2022
    6
    The game is very unbalanced in economy, everything is expensive and slow to build... the war is incredibly boring, you put the option "go to the front" to your general and the artificial intelligence does everything for you. On the other hand, I like the complexity of what they did with the population and government (internal politics), there are a lot of options to choose and ways...The game is very unbalanced in economy, everything is expensive and slow to build... the war is incredibly boring, you put the option "go to the front" to your general and the artificial intelligence does everything for you. On the other hand, I like the complexity of what they did with the population and government (internal politics), there are a lot of options to choose and ways... although unfortunately if the economy is broken, this is not enough.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best PC Game of 2022
39
#39 Most Discussed PC Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 25, 2024
    60
    Victoria gives players a glimpse of the changing world of the nineteenth century. The player forms nations, oversees ethnic groups, colonizes a world untouched by Western civilization, and most importantly, manages trade and industry. The game itself has shortcomings that disappoint. Prussia doesn't always succeed in unifying Germany, and in 20 hours of play I have yet to see a war between the US and Mexico, or even an attempted civil war in the US. [Issue#323]
  2. GameCritics
    Jan 23, 2023
    55
    Overall, Victoria 3 offers a lot of play for those interested in grand strategy, with a number of detailed and complex systems to learn over time. It’s also a solid entry point for people newer to the famously complicated genre, but experienced vets looking for engaging wars or more historically-focused titles should either keep an eye on future updates or look elsewhere.
    Read full review
  3. Games.cz
    Jan 19, 2023
    80
    Be patient, work through your failures. If you do, you’ll get to enjoy a truly fascinating simulation of the 19th century world with all its diplomacy, trade and social developments. War is secondary. And it’s for the best.
    Read full review
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